Nigeria is a country of opportunity for both local and international professionals. As Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, Nigeria attracts foreign talent across various sectors, including oil and gas, telecommunications, and finance.
However, working in Nigeria as a foreigner requires proper legal documentation, including work permits and residence authorisation. The Nigerian government maintains clear policies and requirements for expatriates looking to live and work within its borders.
But first, let’s discuss some preferred sectors for foreigners and the Nigerian government’s policy on foreign workers.
While Nigeria has a large and growing labour force, there are key industries where foreign professionals are in high demand due to gaps in local expertise or the need for international technical standards. Here are some of the top industries that typically employ foreigners in Nigeria:
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Oil and Gas:
Nigeria’s oil industry is one of the largest in Africa, and foreign experts, especially engineers, geologists, and project managers, are often recruited for offshore and onshore operations.
Construction:
Foreign civil engineers, architects, and project consultants are regularly employed in Nigeria’s construction industry, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and real estate projects.
Telecommunications and IT:
This is another industry that has opportunities for foreigners. International professionals are often required to bring specialised knowledge and global experience that support Nigeria’s shift toward a more connected and technology-driven economy.
Healthcare:
Though less common, foreign medical professionals may be engaged in private hospitals or NGOs, especially for specialist roles or development work.
The Nigerian government allows foreigners to work legally, but emphasises skills transfer and local capacity building. Here are some important policy highlights:
Expatriate Quota System:
Companies employing foreigners must obtain government approval for specific roles through the expatriate quota system. This system ensures that positions offered to foreigners are genuinely necessary and do not displace qualified Nigerians.
Training and Succession Planning:
Employers are expected to create training programs for Nigerian staff to eventually take over roles filled by expatriates, promoting long-term national workforce development.
CERPAC Requirement:
Foreign workers must obtain a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), which serves as both a work and residence permit.
Strict Immigration Oversight:
Agencies like the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Ministry of Interior monitor foreign employment closely. Violations, such as working without the proper permit, can result in deportation or fines.
To legally work in Nigeria as a foreigner, you must obtain the appropriate work permit. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) oversees the issuance of these permits, and approval depends on several factors, including the nature of the job, the applicant’s qualifications, and the employing company’s status.
Key requirements for a Nigerian work permit include:
A valid job offer from a Nigerian-registered company
A detailed employment contract
A copy of the employer's Expatriate Quota approval
Educational and professional certificates
International passport with at least 6 months' validity
Application letter from the employer addressed to the Comptroller General of Immigration
Completed immigration forms and passport photographs
Payment of the applicable processing fee
Subject to Regularisation (STR) Visa:
This is the standard route for long-term employment. After arriving in Nigeria on an STR visa, the applicant must regularise their stay by applying for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC).
Temporary Work Permit (TWP):
This is a short-term authorisation, usually granted for highly skilled foreign professionals coming for specific assignments, training, audits, or equipment installation. The TWP is non-renewable and does not lead to residency.
If you are looking to obtain a Nigerian work permit, these are the list of things to consider.
Job Offer:
Secure a formal employment offer from a Nigerian company that has an approved expatriate quota.
Employer Applies for Expatriate Quota:
The employer must get approval from the Federal Ministry of the Interior to hire a foreign national for a specific position.
STR Visa Application:
Once the expatriate quota is approved, the employee applies for an STR Visa at the Nigerian embassy/consulate in their home country.
Arrival and Regularisation:
Upon arrival in Nigeria, the foreign worker has 90 days to regularise their stay by applying for the CERPAC.
Issuance of CERPAC:
After approval, the foreigner receives their residence and work permit, valid for one year (renewable).
The Temporary Work Permit (TWP) is ideal for short assignments and non-permanent roles. The following is a list of requirements needed to apply for a TWP Visa to Nigeria:
Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least two blank pages for endorsement.
Two recent passport-sized (35/40mm) colour photographs with a white background.
Copy of Identity Card (front and back) or Residence Permit (for foreign nationals living in Belgium or Luxembourg).
Confirmed Return ticket.
TWP Cable is obtainable only from the office of the Comptroller General of Immigration in the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja.
Letter of Invitation from the host.
Letter of Sponsorship and request for TWP from the sending company to the Embassy.
Copy of the data page of the host's Passport if Nigerian. In case of foreign nationals living in Nigeria, a copy of the Nigerian Residence Card (front and back).
Certificate of Incorporation of the company.
Copy of school diploma or degree.
Acceptance of Immigration Responsibility by inviting organisations or individuals. Immigration Responsibility includes but is not limited to: Accommodation and feeding, transportation and if necessary, the cost of repatriation or deportation.
Copy of Yellow fever vaccination. Travellers should ensure that their international health Vaccination Certificates are up to date before departure.
NB: The average timeline required for issuance of Temporary Work Permit Visas at the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels is five days.
To apply for this visa, you must first complete the online application form and print the finished version. Next, pay the application fee online and print the payment receipt. Prepare two passport-sized colour photographs (35–40 mm) with a white background. Finally, submit the completed form along with all required documents to the Embassy in person.
Indian professionals are among the top expatriates working in Nigeria, especially in sectors like oil & gas, IT, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. The process for Indian citizens is similar to other nationalities, but here are some tailored notes:
STR Visa or TWP Route:
Depending on the nature of employment, Indian citizens may apply for an STR visa for long-term jobs or a TWP for short-term technical roles.
Required Documents:
Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Letter of invitation from a Nigerian employer
Expatriate Quota approval
Completed visa application form
Proof of accommodation and return flight (for TWP)
Visa fee (based on reciprocity rates with India)
Visa Application Location:
Indian citizens should apply through the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi or consulates in Mumbai/Kolkata, depending on jurisdiction.
In Nigeria, foreigners are required to obtain legal residence status if they intend to stay in the country beyond a short visit. Simply having a work permit or visa isn’t enough. You must also be registered for long-term stay through the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) system. Without a valid residence permit, a foreigner’s stay becomes illegal even if they entered the country with a valid visa.
Legal residence allows you to:
Live in Nigeria for a year or more with renewals
Work legally under your employer’s quota
Open a bank account, rent property, and travel domestically without restrictions
A residence permit in Nigeria is issued through the CERPAC after arriving with the proper visa, usually STR or TWP, depending on the situation.
Steps to obtain a residence permit:
Enter Nigeria with a valid STR visa or TWP for short-term technical stays
Your employer applies for regularisation through the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)
Submit your:
Passport with STR visa
Bio-data form
Proof of expatriate quota approval
Letter of employment
Passport photographs
Pay the CERPAC fee, which is currently $2,000 per year for most nationalities
Upon approval, you will receive:
A CERPAC card, which serves as an ID and work authorisation
A residence permit stamp in your passport
While visual samples vary, a standard Nigerian residence permit includes:
Your full name and nationality
Employer name and address
CERPAC number
Permit validity period (typically one year)
Biometric photo
Nigerian Immigration Service seal and security features
Note: Most permits are now biometric and stored in both digital and physical formats. The green CERPAC card acts as proof of legal stay and must be carried at all times.
The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) is a critical requirement for any foreigner working or residing long-term in Nigeria.
Application process:
Log in to the Nigerian Immigration Portal:
Visit www.immigration.gov.ng to begin the online process.
Fill out the CERPAC form online:
Choose the correct permit type (residence/work), input your details, and upload required documents.
Make payment:
Pay the official fee via the portal. Additional processing or legal service fees may apply if using an agent or employer representative.
Biometrics and submission:
Visit an approved CERPAC centre for fingerprinting and photo capture.
Wait for processing:
If all documents are in order, the permit is usually issued within 2 to 4 weeks.
Residence permits are typically valid for one year and must be renewed before expiration. Failure to renew on time can lead to fines, legal issues, or even deportation. Renewal costs the same as the initial application, usually $2,000 annually.
Documents Needed for Renewal Process:
Original CERPAC card and passport
Employer’s renewal letter
Updated expatriate quota information if changed
Recent passport photographs
Timeline: Renewal should be initiated at least 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties.
Working in Nigeria as a foreigner is entirely possible with the right documentation, employer sponsorship, and compliance with immigration laws. Note that every step is essential for legal employment and staying. But it’s crucial to understand that all foreign workers must go through official channels.
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